Rcan1 KO mice are resistant to high-fat diet-induced obesity and maintain insulin sensitivity even after prolonged high fat feeding. Knock down of Rcan1.1 and Rcan1.4 in preadipocytes inhibits subsequent adipocyte differentiation. We hypothesize that RCAN1 acts as a brake on the energy expending “beiging” of white adipose tissue.
From an evolutionary viewpoint, such a function would be protective with limited food sources; however, it would be maladaptive in the current caloric abundance in the United States. Studies are underway in the laboratory to identify the specific molecular mechanism of RCAN1 action in adipocyte biology.
UCP1+ subcutaneous fat in Rcan1 knockout mouse